Ancascocha Trek + Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 7D/6N
The Ancascocha trek plus the Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu is a spectacular trek. It is a world renowned and we are the only company in the Cusco area that offers this combination Ancascocha/Inca Trail trek.
The Ancascocha Trail in the Peruvian Andes is a spectacular trail that remains off the beaten path. It is listed as one of National Geographic’s 20 dream hikes on their World Best Hikes list. The trek wanders through traditional villages like Chillipahua, and its namesake Ancashcocha (3,900 m/12,795 ft). Along the way, it humps over big passes, including the high point at the Huayanay Pass (4,650 m/15,252 ft), and takes in views of towering Apu Salkantay (6,266 m/20,551 ft) .
On day 4 of the hike we join the Classic Inca Trail. The Classic Inca Trail is the most famous hike in South America – perhaps the world. It is a must-do and one of the biggest highlights of your trip to Peru. It offers astounding trekking along original paved Inca pathways and a range of spectacular Inca ruins along the way. The stunning scenery is breathtaking. The trail spans through altitudes in the valley from 2,680 m/8,792 ft to mountain passes of 4,215 m/13,825 ft. Finally it passes through the cloud forest to arrive at the majestic Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu itself.
Eco Andes Trekking is highly recommended by TripAdvisor and Trustpilot. Join hundreds of happy trekkers who have experienced the adventure of a lifetime!
ITINERARY
Pre-trek briefing (required): We provide a full pre-trek briefing at our office or at your hotel in Cusco. This gives you the chance to ask questions about the trek itinerary.
Briefings are scheduled for the day before your trek starts.
Please take this into consideration when booking your travel plans to Cusco, to ensure you arrive in time for the briefing.
Day 1: Cusco – Soqma – Rayan
We leave Cusco early in the morning and drive 1 hour and 45 minutes to Soqma (3,205 m/10,512 ft). This is the starting point of our trek and where we meet the horsemen that will join us during the hike. Additionally, our chef will be waiting for us here with a delicious and energizing breakfast.
We begin the hike with a 1 ¾ hour walk to the Perolniyoc cascade lookout. This is a perfect opportunity to stop for photos and a snack. The waterfall that you will see at this location is breathtaking! We will then hike another 35 minutes until we visit the Inca site of the same name, where we will have a brief tour. This will be our lunch site. After a refueling lunch, we will ascend 45 minutes until our camp at Rayan (3,700 m/9,350 ft)
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Lowest Elevation: 3,205 m/ 10,512 ft
- Highest Elevation: 3,700 m/ 12,136 ft
- Distance to walk: 8 km/5 miles
- Approximate walking time: 4 to 5 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate
- Area: Dry Mountain
Day 2 Rayan – Chancachuco – Ancascocha
We depart camp at about 6:30 a.m. for a 4-hour uphill trek with incredible views of the “nevadas”/snow-capped peaks, llamas, valleys, and if we are lucky, a passing condor – the largest bird in the Andes with a wing-span of up to 10 feet across. Here we reach the Kuychicassa pass (4,450 m/14,596 ft) where we take a break and soak in the magnificent views of the Chancachuco Valley on one side of the pass and the Sacred Valley of the Incas on the other side.
Then we start our descent and hike for another hour until we reach the location where we will take our lunch break. After lunch we ascend for 30 minutes by way of a narrow trail following a stream with beautiful views of Mt. Veronica (5,822 m/19,100 ft).
This is followed by a 4-hour walk downhill to reach the small community of Ancashcocha (3,700 m/12,136 ft), our campsite for the evening, in a small, gorgeously wooded valley with a stream running through it.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Highest Elevation: 4,450 m/ 15,250 ft
- Campsite elevation: 3,700 m/ 12,136 ft
- Distance to walk: 16 km/ 10 miles
- Approximate walking time: 8 to 10 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Challenging
- Area: Dry Mountain
Day 3: Ancascocha – Huayanay Pass – Muyu Muyu Community – Paucarcancha
Views of a nearby glacier and well preserved Inca remains are the highlight of this day. After a hearty breakfast we are ready for this challenging day. Ascending towards the Huayanay Pass (4,650 m/15,298 ft) for 4 hours, the highest point of our trek, which is a steep zigzag trail uphill, we find an original cobblestone paved Inca trail. On the way, we see the beautiful waterfall that feeds into the Ancashcocha Lake. After this stunning view, we descend for 45 minutes until the Inca site of Incarajay. We will have lunch here.
At this point we will embark on a long descent into greener vegetation. During this stretch of the trek we will have views of the classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu appear in the distance, and fascinating views of the communities of the Qésqua valley. We will pass by the quaint Muyu Muyu community (3,850 m/12,628 ft).
From Muyu Muyu it is a further 2 hour descent to our campsite next to the beautiful Inca remains of Paucarcancha (3,133 m/10,276 ft). This camp is a unique Inca settlement recently restored that served as a “Tambo.” A Tambo was an Incan structure that was built for administrative and military purposes.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Highest Elevation: 4,650 m/ 15,298 ft
- Campsite elevation: 3,133 m/ 10,276 ft
- Distance to walk: 16 km/ 10 miles
- Approximate walking time: 7-8 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Challenging
- Area: Dry Mountain
Day 4: Paucarcancha – Ayapata – Llulluchapampa
Today we change pace as we join the classic Inca Trail. This is where we will say goodbye to our horsemen and the horses, and meet our porters.
From Paucarcancha we will hike 25 minutes downhill to the last village on the Classic Inca Trail, Huayllabamba (2,866 m /9,400 ft). This will be followed by a 4-hour uphill hike to Llulluchapampa (3,700 m/12,136 ft). On the way, we will hike through many ecosystems, including the cloud forest. Llulluchapampa is our camp for the night.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Minimum Elevation: 2,866 m/9,400 ft
- Highest/Campsite Elevation: 3,700 m/12,136 ft
- Approximate walking time: 4–5 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate
- Area: Dry Mountain
Day 5: Llulluchapampa – Pacaymayo – Chaquicocha
Your porters will wake you up early with a hot cup of coca tea to get you ready for the day. Today is the longest day of the Inca trail portion of the hike and we will start early. We’ll hike for roughly 2 hours to the highest pass of the Inca trail, Dead Woman’s Pass (4,215 meters/13,829 feet). On reaching the pass we’ll stop for a short break to enjoy the views before setting off again to descend to the next valley (Pacaymayu Valley – Hidden River).
It’s another hour and a half down the side of the valley to our lunch spot and a chance to refill our water bottles. After lunch we begin ascending again to the second pass of the trek. It’s 2 hours to the pass and along the way we’ll stop at a small Inca site (Runcu Raccay) and see two huge waterfalls cascading down the opposite side of the valley. After the second pass, it’s another hour downhill hike to reach the magnificent Inca site, Sayacmarca (an otherwise inaccessible village).
We’ll stop here for a rest and have a tour of the site and then watch the sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range. It’s then just another 20 minutes until we stop for the night at our campsite Chaquicocha (Dry Lake, 3,600 m/ 11,808 ft). After dinner we can do some stargazing and your guide will point out the fascinating Inca constellations. In the magnificent Southern Hemisphere sky, away from all the artificial lighting, this sky is something to behold!
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Highest Elevation: 4,215 m/13,829 ft
- Campsite elevation: 3,600 m/11,808 ft
- Distance to walk: 16 km/10 miles
- Level of Difficulty: Challenging
- Area: Andes and Cloud Forest
Day 6: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna
After another fantastic breakfast we will hike for two hours until we reach Phuyupatamarca (3,680 m/12,073 ft). From this location we will have astonishing views of Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Mountain, and Huayna Picchu mountain. We will also have a guided tour of the Phuyupatamarca Inca site.
Now it is time to head into the rain forest! We will walk downhill for 2 ½ hours until we reach our camp. During this stretch of the trail we will visit Inti Pata. Many people feel that the most beautiful pictures of the entire Inca trail can be taken from this location! After Inti Pata it is a further 30 minutes to our campsite at Wiñay Wayna (2,680 m/8,792 ft). When we arrive at the camp we will have lunch. After relaxing for a short time we will visit the archeological site that bears the same name as the camp.
Wiñay Wayna is the largest and most beautiful archeological site on the Inca trail and means forever young in Quechua. We are one of the few companies that provide a guided tour of Wiñay Wayna.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping
- Maximum altitude: 3,600 m/11,808 ft
- Minimum altitude: 2,680 m/8,792 ft
- Distance to walk: 10 km/ 6.2 miles
- Approximate walking time: 5 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Area: High Cloud Forest
Day 7: Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco
We will rise very early to complete the final stretch of the Inca Trail, which brings us to Inti Punku or the Sun Gate, the principal entrance of the crystal city of Machu Picchu. The trail here is fairly easy going and after about an hour we will arrive to Inti Punku (2,400 m/7,875 ft), an awesome location to observe the citadel of Machu Picchu and the sunrise in the Andes.
From Inti Punku it is a further 40 minute downhill hike to the citadel of Machu Picchu. We will go to the classic “photo” spot and take pictures once we arrive. Then there will be a short break prior to starting our tour of Machu Picchu. The tour will last two hours. If you elect to climb Huayna Picchu mountain, your hike will begin after the tour, at 10 a.m.
When you are finished exploring the extraordinary city of Machu Picchu you will travel to Aguas Calientes by bus. You will then take the train from Aguas Calientes to Poroy/Ollantaytambo where our private van will be waiting to transport you back to your hotel in Cusco. Arrival time in Cusco depends on the time of your train ticket.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Maximum altitude: 2,700 m/8,856 ft
- Minimum altitude: 2,400 m/7,875 ft
- Distance to walk: 5 km/3.73 miles
- Approximate walking time: 2 hours
INCLUDED:
- Bilingual English speaking tour guide
- Pre-Departure Briefing at your hotel 1 or 2 days before your trek
- Pick up from your hotel and transportation to Soqma
- Four person tent for each 2 persons.
- Inflatable Mattress and pillow
- Kitchen tent
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- Toilet tent
- Chef
- Wranglers, porters and horses to carry all the equipment (food, tents, chairs, table, etc) and 8 kg (15 lbs) per hiker for your own belongings
- Emergency horse in case we need it
- Seven breakfasts, six lunches, and six dinners
- Daily hot water for washing
- Daily morning boiled and cold water to fill the water bottles.
- Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit.
- Return Expedition train ticket from Aguas Calientes to either Ollantaytambo or to Poroy
- Private van transportation from Poroy to your hotel in Cusco
- Inca Trail permit
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
NOT included:
- Sleeping bag – you can rent one from us
- Huayna Picchu mountain ticket – USD $75 per person
- Day 7 Lunch in Aguas Calientes
- Tips for the crew (guides, porters, cooks, wranglers)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Items to bring with you:
- Original passport (if you have acquired a new one after you made your booking, bring both)
- Down or synthetic feather sleeping bag (can be rented from us)
- Clothes (trekking boots, warm fleece jacket, a few t-shirts, socks, sun hat, warm underwear, light long pants, gloves, rain jacket)
- Toiletries (toilet paper, wet wipes, personal towel)
- Sunscreen SPF 35+ recommended
- Head lamp, batteries*
- Sunglasses
- Camera with spare batteries*
- Binoculars
- Trekking poles (recommended especially for the steep descents, MUST have rubber tips (can be rented from us)
- Insect repellent
NOTE *batteries run down faster at high altitudes
PRICES & ADD-ONS
Group: USD $1340 per person
Private: USD $1400 per person
Group versus Private Treks: What’s the difference?
- Depending on the number of people in your booking, additional people may join the trek to make a full group.
- If you choose “private”, no additional people will be joining your group, no matter the size.
- Minimum booking size is two people; one person may book a group trek if Eco Andes Trekking is able to join that person with additional groups.
Discounts
- Under 18 years Discount: USD $20
- Under 7 years Discount: USD $35
Rentals
- Hiking poles – USD $30 (pair)
- Sleeping bag – USD $40 per person
- Private Tent – USD $50 per person
Upgrades
- Return Vistadome Train – USD $60 per person
- Return Hiram Bingham Train– USD $420 per person
PRICE PER PERSON IN USD:
Group: $1340
Private: $1400
DURATION:
7 Days / 6 Night
AVAILABLE ADD-ONS
- Hiking poles – USD $30 (pair)
- Sleeping bag – USD $40 person
- Return Vistadome Train – USD $60 per person
- Return Hiram Bingham Train– USD $420 per person
- Huayna Picchu Permit (USD $75 per person)
- Private Tent – USD $50 per person
OVERVIEW
- Day 1 - Cusco – Soqma – Rayan
- Day 2 - Rayan – Ancashcocha
- Day 3 - Ancashcocha – Paucarcancha
- Day 4 - Paucarcancha – Llulluchapampa
- Day 5 - Llulluchapampa – Chaquicocha
- Day 6 - Chaquicocha – Wiñay Wayna
- Day 7 - Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
- Beginning Altitude: 2,850 m /12,477 ft
- Maximum Altitude: 4,650 m / 15,252 ft
- Hike Total Distance: 77.5 km/ 48 miles
- Overall Trek Difficulty: Challenging
INQUIRE ABOUT THIS EXPERIENCE
WHY WE'RE DIFFERENT
Your Full Satisfaction or Your Money Back
We understand planning a big trip like ours at EAT takes a lot of trust, and we’re here to make sure that trust pays off from the moment you book to the day your adventure wraps up. We’re fully committed to making your experience unforgettable. If something doesn’t go as planned—whether it’s an issue with the service or something unexpected along the way—we’ll step in to fix it.
That even includes offering a refund if needed so you can book with total peace of mind.
Your Peruvian adventure means the world to us, and we’ll go the extra mile to make sure it not only meets but exceeds your expectations. With our satisfaction guarantee, you can relax and focus on taking in all the incredible beauty and culture Peru has to offer.
We Help You Experience Peru Through The Eyes of a Local
We’re 100% locally owned and operated, with guides, porters, and chefs who grew up in the Cusco region. Fluent in Spanish, English, and Quechua, our team brings unmatched cultural and historical knowledge to share with you. Traveling with us means gaining insight into Peru’s traditions, landscapes, and stories from those who know them best.
We Work With Professional Guides Who Provide Exceptional Service
Our guides are the best of the best. Truly skilled experts with at least 5 years of experience, every guide we employ is ready to share their expertise on Peru’s trails, culture, and history. Our porters are no exception. They work hard to make your journey one for the books, while our chefs will prepare you delicious meals along the way. With a 99% recommendation rate, we’re dedicated to making every detail of your trip unforgettable.
We’re Committed to Our Team
Our porters and horsemen are easily the backbone of every trek. That’s why we are fully committed to prioritizing their well-being. We ensure they’re paid above-average wages—higher than those offered by most tour companies—recognizing their hard work and dedication to the team. Beyond fair pay, we truly care for their well-being, providing proper gear, meals, and working conditions so they’re not just safe but comfortable, too.
We Look Out for Our Community
A portion of every trek we sell supports local projects, like helping fund a much-needed school roof in Sacsayhuaman, where many of our team live. For years, children in the area had no nearby school and faced grueling four-hour walks in harsh conditions to get an education. Today, thanks to these contributions, they have a local school, and we continue to donate to its upkeep—because making an impact goes beyond the trek.
We Customize Our Adventures to Suit Your Travel Style
We want every trip to feel like it was made just for you. Whether you’re keen on hiking the famous Inca Trail, exploring lesser-known spots in the Sacred Valley, or tackling our one-of-a-kind Ancashcocha + Inca Trail trek, we’ll plan your adventure to fit your travel style. To keep things personal, we keep group sizes small—and if your group is larger than eight, we’ll bring in an extra guide so no one misses out on the experience.
We Travel with Purpose – Serving the Women, Children, & Men of Peru
Every journey with us has a ripple effect. Your adventure supports ethical tourism, fair wages for porters, and opportunities for female trekkers–many of whom are breaking barriers on the Inca Trail–and children. We’re passionate about creating opportunities for local children to grow up healthy and learn about everything their heart desires. Through initiatives like repairing schools, donating educational materials, and funding projects, we make it a mission to build a brighter future for kids in the Cusco region. Every trek you take with us contributes to this mission. When you book with us, you’re not just exploring Peru; you’re investing in it and setting a standard for all other tourism companies and tourists.
Our Reputation is Built on Trust
Year after year, Eco Andes Trekking has earned top ratings on TripAdvisor and the prestigious Certificate of Excellence. We’ve worked hard for these awards and are proud to see our hard work recognized. Even prouder to know our travelers leave with unforgettable memories and stories worth sharing.
We Travel Sustainably & Responsibly
Peru’s landscapes are magnificent. That’s why we work so hard to protect them. We prioritize sustainable traveling by working with our local communities and employing indigenous guides––thus promoting economic empowerment and preserving cultural heritage. Along the journey, we’ll always encourage travelers to embrace responsible practices as advocates for the environment.
